Government offices and some businesses are opened for business from today August 10, 2017. Photo: VINO

Some businesses opened their stores today to sell out products that were affected by flood waters. Photo: VINO

Many of the roads in Road Town are being graded but parking for vehicles remains an issue. Some stores that are still awaiting insurance assessments are not opened as yet to the public. Photo: VINO

Main Street appears deserted in this area which is usually a high traffic area. Photo: VINO

The decision for the Government to open for business was made by the Acting Governor Dr Robert A. Mathavious in consultation with Premier Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL), Permanent Secretary in the Deputy Governor’s Office Mrs Carolyn Stoutt-Igwe and the Department of Disaster Management (DDM), according to a Government issued press release.  

Local Businesses open doors

Most of Tuesday August 8, 2017 and Wednesday August 9, 2017, businesses spent time cleaning up, restoring their premises to habitable conditions, counting their losses and having insurance assessments carried out for the purposes of filing claims.

Today August 10, 2017, even while counting their losses, many businesses opened their doors. Riteway Foods has been opened from since Tuesday August 8, 2017 to serve its customers.

There are still major issues with some of the telecommunications service providers. CCT Global Communications have not opened their doors today at the main office located at Geneva Place in Road Town since the ground floor is still being cleaned from flooding. However, they are available at their branch at the Pier Park.

Further, most of the service businesses such as the banks have opened fully to serve their customers along with the various insurance companies such as NAGICO to provide speedy service for the filing of claims.

Moderate to Heavy Showers expected

While the Territory is seeking to return to normalcy, the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services forecasts some moderate to heavy showers are expected into Friday August 11, 2017. However, the predictions have shown that dry and stable conditions are expected to return to the Territory thereafter.

Meanwhile, Electricity has also been restored to majority of the Territory and the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) is working to address minor outstanding areas.